February 21 I Thursday

Numbers 1-2

Mark 3:1-19

“… and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”  —Ephesians 6:15

Most pieces in the armour of God are defensive, but there are two pieces that may be used offensively as well. The sword of the Spirit is an obvious one, and the other is “feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Readiness suggests mobility and action.

When Paul wrote this, he likely had in mind the passage in Isaiah 52:7, which says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news…” That is an intriguing statement. Why the feet? Why not the mouth or the personality or the energy of a person? Perhaps it is because the first part of our anatomy God requires when it comes to active service for Him is our feet. We may be willing to give our mouths, but that will not be effective if we are in the wrong place. What God is looking for are soldiers of Jesus Christ who stand firmly on the ground of victory He has already obtained. If we are called by God, in obedience to Him, we go with feet fitted with readiness.

  This also applies to feet that have been purposefully put where they are, as was the case with Paul. Confined to a Roman prison, he says, “...I am put here for the defence of the gospel” (Philippians 1:16). This was not Paul’s plan, but his eyes were open to where God had placed him. Paul’s intention was to travel to Spain, but false accusations of bringing a Gentile into the temple in Jerusalem led to his arrest and captivity for five peak years of his life. He writes, “I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear” (Philippians 1:12-14).

Rather than being bitter, Paul says, “I am put here,” which is what many of us experience. We may have lost our jobs, suffer from a serious illness or have a binding contract. Any number of things may confine us to where we are, but regardless, our eyes need to be open to opportunities, because wherever we are placed, God has a purpose for us. Whether our feet are put or sent, we are workers together with God, which requires feet fitted with readiness to counteract the work of Satan by relaying to others the Gospel of peace.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me feet fitted with readiness, willing to go wherever You send me, and grant me opportunities to spread the Gospel of peace.